A home improvement contractor is a professional who renovates homes. A reliable home improvement contractor is critical to the success of your remodeling project.
Before you hire a contractor, ask for references and recommendations from friends or family members. It is also helpful to get quotes from multiple contractors.
According to Westchester law, all home improvement contractors must be licensed. Getting a license is an important step for consumers and contractors alike.
Ask for Referrals
Many contractors advertise on home improvement referral sites, like Angieslist and Houzz. These sites generate a lot of traffic, but they can take awhile to convert into sales. This is why it is important to delight customers and encourage them to write reviews and recommendations.
Getting referrals is one of the most effective ways to find a quality contractor. Ask your family and friends if they have used a contractor and what their experience was like. If you are looking for a specific type of project, ask if they have done anything similar in the past.
Additionally, check out how a contractor is rated on home improvement referral sites. Some sites charge users to use the service, while others allow contractors to pay for a premium listing and appear higher in search results.
Do Your Research
The contractor you choose can make or break your project. That’s why you need to take the time to find a responsible professional.
One important question to ask is, “How often do your projects finish on time?” You may not get a percentage-type answer, but an honest contractor will be able to tell you whether or not they’ve completed work on schedule in the past.
You’ll also want to check their reviews online and in the newspaper. Depending on your location, some contractors are required to have licenses or alternative credentials. Any that don’t should be avoided. Likewise, contractors who overpromise or ask for payment upfront should also be avoided. These are red flags that indicate they’re unreliable or careless with your project. They’re likely to leave you with a substandard finished product or worse, fail to complete the project at all.
Get at Least 3 Quotes
Before hiring a contractor for your project, you should ask them to provide price estimates (quotes). An estimate is an approximate cost for the work based on the contractor’s experience and skill.
Then do a bit of research online about each contractor and company you’re considering. Compare their reviews and ratings, before and after photos, years of experience, licenses and areas of expertise.
You should always get at least three bids for any home improvement project, no matter how large or small. This allows you to compare prices and quality side-by-side, and ensures that you’re getting the best possible value for your money. Be sure to tell each contractor you’re getting quotes from other businesses so they’re able to competitively quote. This will also help you find the right contractor for your project.
Ask for Proof of Insurance
The last thing you want is to have someone work on your home and then be held liable for any damage they cause. This is why it is important to always ask to see proof of insurance. A good contractor will have no problem faxing you or emailing you a certificate of insurance (COI). When you receive it, carefully review it to make sure that all the information is correct. You can also look at the insurance types and limits section to ensure that all the coverage you requested is included.
You should also make sure that any contractors or subcontractors who will be working on your home have general liability and workers’ compensation coverage as well. If they don’t, then any damages caused by them could end up costing you a lot of money.
Get a Written Contract
When choosing a home improvement contractor, get written estimates that are itemized and detailed. This will allow you to compare the different bids. If one is substantially higher than others, ask for an explanation. In many cases, there may be a reason for the difference that isn’t immediately obvious.
Ideally, the contract will include details of the work to be performed as well as a payment schedule. It should also describe inspection provisions as well as the responsibilities of both parties for obtaining local residential construction permits and paying any associated fees. Any deposits should be placed in a designated escrow account. The contract should also state that a consumer may cancel the contract within three business days after signing. This will give you a little peace of mind should problems arise during the project.